Sunday, November 12, 2017

Since DonTheCon was Electoral College elected president, he has embarked on getting rid of "Unnecessary Government Regulations." I agree in a small part that the government does have some rules,/laws on their books that should be removed/changed.

But, when he appoints an EPA head who is a stanch supporter of the Oil Industry -- and this EPA Chief believes that the Oil Industry should be able to do what ever they want regardless of Cause and/or Effect on others health and well-being -- that's where I begin to have a problem.

Why? Profit!

I believe the Oil Industry thinks that they do NOT have to clean up after themselves. To them, cleaning up is too costly. Besides, oil comes from the ground. Why can't they just dump oil waste back onto the ground -- where it came from?

Everyone knows that the primary cause of air pollution is the gasoline engine. Attempts to make electric engines doesn't give the driver the sense of power and surge of adrenaline that a gas engine does.

(Even I have a gas powered car.)

But when any industry is allowed to run rampant and destroy the air, water and earth we live on, I believe there is only so much the earth can take. Humans are changing the planet and NOT for the better.

Even Stephen Hawkins says that we will destroy Earth because of the above aforementioned demand for Profit. He even gave a year by which we will be successful in destroying the only planet we are capable of living on in the known universe -- 2600.

But, hey, that Profit is so, so important. We need to keep the oil industry going. Because without the oil industry, we just might be able to slow down or even stop climate change; have cleaner air and water; and, definitely have less pollution in general.

But, since profit is so important, we need to keep destroying human lives because - well, there are already too many humans occupying Earth. So, humans will continue to destroy Earth so when there is no Earth left, at least there will still be profit!

Can Earth right itself without humans changing their course? I don't know.

But as these pictures from New Delhi, India indicate, I don't think so.

Saturday, February 18, 2017

Caesar's Entertainment just completed their bankruptcy and since it cost them tens if not hundreds of millions in attorneys fees, I knew that, that cost would be passed on to their visitors somehow.

Well, that's not the official standing, anyway.
The Caesar bosses are proclaiming better WiFi service in the rooms, maintaining passes to their property's fitness center, and a whole lot of other gobble-gook.

But, the fees are here to stay -- and they will charge them for as long as visitors continue to book and stay at their properties and are willing to fork over their hard earned money.

Anyway, the other sad note is that even Free Parking at Resort Properties is a thing of the past, too!
Now, if you are staying at the property there is a discount. But, that varies property to property.

Years ago, when I first moved to Las Vegas, I took a part-time job as a taxi driver -- to get familiar with the city and 'Strip!' And, once picked up a lady at a casino and drove her to the airport.

Along the way, as we were talking, she said (paraphrasing here) that she remembered when Las Vegas was eloquent. She said, Las Vegas had turned into a K-Mart. When she first came to Las Vegas years ago, it was a different time; a time when people dressed up to go down to the casino just to gamble.

I asked: why did she think it changed so much? What she said next, I will remember this for the rest of my life.

She said, Las Vegas changed when the casinos were bought up by corporations. She said when the 'mob' ran Vegas, they made sure you got a meal and freebies to remember your visit. Now, she continued, everything is a profit center.

And she laughed, even housekeeping.

As I sit here today, I ponder her statement. and ask myself, How are they going to make money through housekeeping?

Oh, that's right! In the future -- near or far -- prepare yourself for a Resort to charge a "Housekeeping Fee."

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by:
davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88
AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Are you interested in owning a Las Vegas Resort, Hospitality, Gaming or Restaurant Property?

If so, I can help! Since the economic meltdown, the few that remain means they are pretty good investments.

And, if a 'major' Las Vegas Resort is within your acquisition criteria and financial capability, please click on the Las Vegas Casino Information button in the right hand column. There you will find an Agreement. Please have your company's CEO or Authorized Signature fill this out completely, sign, scan and email back to me for further details on those properties that are available.

For less expensive Hotel-Motel, Gaming, Restaurants and Bars, please email me your contact information and acquisition criteria. Once I have received this, I will be able to forward those opportunities as they arise.

I would also appreciate being able to add you -- if you qualify, to my investor client list. That way, when a specific property that I know you are interested in comes available, I would like to be able to send it to you quickly so you can better judge the property information and gauge the extent of your interest in acquiring it. If not interested, just simply delete and wait for the next property to become available.

Lastly, if truly interested in becoming a gaming proprietor, you will need to apply for and be approved by the State of Nevada Gaming Control Board. I can refer an attorney to you.

Please understand, that this will be required whether you are trying to acquire a resort casino or a small tavern/supper club property. Being approved prior to making an offer, will speed up the purchase process since most Sellers will NOT have a close of escrow contingent upon you receiving gaming approval.

I appreciate your patience in this and hope to be able to bring you other Las Vegas Properties to you for your review in the next few months.

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Friday, September 23, 2016

I couldn't believe what the investor was saying to me. I did take a slight beating on LinkedIn with Trump supporters spewing condescending comments about the post I put up about foreign investors withholding investment in the US until after the US General Election.

However, this morning, when my telephone rang and I noticed it was from one of my American clients/investors -- who owns several neighborhood retail properties in Las Vegas, NV -- I was happy he was finally responding to the property information I had sent him last week. I was hoping he was instructing me to draft an offer.

Unfortunately, his first words were like a needle popping a balloon: 'he is not going to buy or sell until after the election.'

His reason: Trump is being too hateful and alienating too many people. He thinks that if Trump wins, it is going to send the markets into a spiral down fall. He says he is hoping for the best.

Sigh!

So, to you LinkedIn members who think that we don't need foreign investors, guess what, the American investors -- from my point of view -- are wary of Trump, too!

So, I began to wonder: If the polls are showing a close presidential race, just who exactly is supporting Trump. Well, CNN had an answer.

The problem with this story is that non-college educated whites want something that is never ever going to come back ever again.

High paying jobs are now in the Asian rim. A white male working at +/-$20 an hour is never going to happen in the US ever again.

And it wasn't the government that sent those jobs oversea. So, stop blaming the government for you losing your job. Because, it was your actions that resulted in you being unemployed. Yes. The non-college educated, white male who wouldn't work for less an hour.

The government didn't order your former company or its CEO to move your job. The CEO found workers that would work for far much less than you. And, that was in the Asian Rim.

So, supporting a hateful rhetoric spewing man -- who also has products manufactured in the Asian Rim -- is NOT going to be able to bring those jobs back.

Trump maybe a businessman; he maybe a billionaire (I'll believe that when I see his disclosed tax returns.); He may even be a nice guy (away from the cameras); but I know he is not going to be able to do any of the things he is promising you.

So, I realize there is only a choice between two evils: Crooked Donald or Crooked Hillary.

I am going to choose Hillary.

(And the reason is: no investor has said to me that they weren't going to invest (buy/sell) real estate in the US if Hillary is elected President.)

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by:
davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88
AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Recently, my email Inbox is receiving inquiries about Las Vegas Commercial Properties. And, being the Full Service Real Estate Broker I think I am, I try my best to respond as quickly and efficiently as possible.

I even have had a few telephone calls asking the same.

Anyway, just to give 'other' blog followers updated information; It is true: there are a variety of small commercial properties in Las Vegas that are under $500,000 that are For Sale! They consist of Multi-Family (in the 3-4 unit range), Retail, Offices and Industrial locations that are For Sale in the Las Vegas metro area.

Now, most are Listed For Sale in the $200,000 to $300,000 range; Most are smaller than you'd think (less than 5,000 SF); and all are pretty well located on or near very busy, high traffic streets.

So, if you have been hesitant about contacting me in the past because you feel you may not qualify; or feel that buying in Las Vegas is so far away, please rest assured that most can be managed by a local property management company by a broker I know very, very well. (She's very, very good.)

And, the listing price is just that: a Listing Price. It does NOT mean that it is Non Negotiable! There is some wiggle room to get to a selling price.

If you need to qualify for a loan, I can help you there, too. A lender will need to see your financials. In order to qualify for a loan, financials are required to verify your ability to buy/finance a purchase.

So, you may ask: WHY? would I give David Howes a call to buy in Las Vegas, NV?
My answer: I can get you an income property that can provide you with a monthly income. It may NOT be thousands of dollars a month in rent; but it will be a start of building a real estate portfolio.

And, earning a few grand a month, does help with monthly bills and helps you build equity for the future.

So,...

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by:
davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88
AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Monday, August 1, 2016

A few months ago, I did an Internet search for businessmen who became presidents. Some were senators and congressmen before becoming president.

But, these supposed businessmen who were elected president had one thing in common: They were all in the lower half when ranking them as successful presidents. (I think the highest was 26.)
Anyway, on the opposite end were the successful Presidents. These men all had one thing in common: they were failed businessmen.

And, by far the most successful president ever was even considered a failed lawyer.
Go figure. (Or, Google this yourself to verify.)

Now, as for Trump's "Successful" Las Vegas Tower. People may look at it and wonder how this became so successful.

Well, it was headed into foreclosure in 2010-11. How do I know this? Well at that time, a Los Angeles real estate investor client, called me to ask if I could do him a favor and get him quality comps for the Las Vegas Strip condos.

I asked, 'Why?" (The reason I asked is because I don't sell residential real estate -- at least not individual properties.)

Anyway, he told me that the bank holding the note had contacted him to see if he'd be interested in acquiring the loan.

(Now, this is not unheard of since lenders do this all the time. (It's one of the factors that led Wall Street into their collapse in 2008.))

Anyway, I got the condo comps and sent it to him.

He decided to NOT purchase the loan because, upon receiving the comps, he knew the bank was asking way too much per unit for him.

Later, when talking to this very same investor about another property, I asked what had happen to that loan.

He said that he was told by the bank that Phil Ruffin had paid it off.

(Apparently, Phil still owned the land separate from the tower and wasn't going to chance losing his investment in the land to the bank foreclosing on the tower when the condos didn't sell.)

So, if Phil didn't mention this as a Trump success at the Republican Convention, I guess Phil would know first hand.

Lastly, I doubled checked the ownership on this property recently and most of the units are currently owned by Hilton Vacation Timeshares. Phil sold the remaining unsold condos to them after he had started to use this building as a timeshare component of his TI Resort Property.

So, if Trump is heard talking about how successful his Las Vegas Tower has been, remember, here is another building with the Trump name on it where he only owns the condos on the 33rd floor.

I guess getting your name on a building you no longer own is something to brag about.

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by:
davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88
AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Monday, July 25, 2016

You know, I believe that anything is possible. I think it's the optimist in me. So, when the economy turns and I see deals starting to come along, and they turn to steals, this is when I believe that I can help any investor buy any Las Vegas investment property.

However, the problem I am having today is kind of complicated.

You see, there is an election going on in the US and both candidates are either well liked; or hated.

The sad thing about this is -- since I am subscribed to several property listing services -- I am being barraged with other CRE company's emails claiming that they have SOLD property in surrounding states at such a high price (or low Cap Rate) that right here in Las Vegas, Sellers are struggling to even attract investor's attention at +8% Cap Rates!

I am, after all, more than willing to help a Seller get as much money for their property as long as the Buyer is willing to accept the Seller's price as a great deal (maybe a steal) from acquiring a real estate property.

What confuses me more than anything else is that our +8% Cap Rates are a steal!

Especially when a McDonald's in Southern California sells for a 3.54% Cap Rate!! OR, a Walgreen's in Arizona Sells for a 5.33% Cap Rate!

I find this not only confusing, BUT unbelievable! Why would an investor buy such a property at such a high price -- just because it is located in another state?

IF you are NOT one of these investors, or you are and are now just realizing your mistake, please send me an email and I will gladly send you the latest on the better than average CRE properties that are currently available.

I appreciate your support.

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by:
davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88
AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Monday, July 18, 2016

Years and years ago, while I was living and working in Los Angeles, CA I worked (very shortly) for a person who was selling success!

Yes, I was young and fell into the trap of getting rich quickly, but I got out just as fast before I invested any money in his scheme. (Good thing for me: I didn't have any.)

Anyway, I saw this today on CNN about democrats living and working in Youngstown, Ohio who have fallen for Trump's scheme. You know, the one about how he is going to fix the numerous problems that Americans currently have: lack of jobs; desperate about what is in their future. You know the routine.

While watching this on the Internet, I immediately thought back to the old saying spouted by a person who I shortly worked for.

"You hook them by selling the dream that they can make it rich. You and I know that most are never, ever going to be rich, but that's what you sell them."

(After realizing the impossibility of his scheme, I exited his employ to his invalidating harassment for a few months that followed.)

And, that's how I felt for these people that were interviewed in this news piece. They are desperate and are searching for a quick answer to their daily problems.

You see, this town lost their steel industry, and they fully believe that Donald Trump is going to bring that back to Youngstown, OH.

Now, every sane person does realize that as long as the corporate CEO's are making more money by having their industry in a country where they don't care about their environment, that is never going to happen.

What these people -- who have been suckered into thinking this impossible dream -- don't realize, is that Americans are NOT going to work for the low, low wages being offered and accepted in China.

Unfortunately, these middle-aged white people long for a former "better day" where jobs were just down the street. You know just before the steel factory that was ordered by the EPA to stop polluting.

Okay, says the CEO, off to China we go! (Hey! They stopped polluting! Well, they stopped polluting here in the US anyway.)

Lastly, the jobs are going to stay in China regardless of who wins the election to occupy The White House.

The reason: Americans want and will always demand clean, drinkable water; clean, breathable air, and to be able to eat non-contaminated food.

And, they will demand to earn a livable wage -- which is higher than what the CEO's are willing to pay.

So, Trump's selling a dream that he will never, ever be able to deliver -- but that is what is most important: Hook them by selling the dream.

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by:
davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88
AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Sunday, July 17, 2016

With the US Presidency up for grabs (I truly didn't think Trump would make it this far), there are still a few very good buys in Las Vegas as we sit here today.

However, several out of country "Buyers" keep telling me they want to wait to see "what happens" come November.

It's as if they could care less whether they get a deal on a property or not. No matter what I recommend on these properties -- they have a horrendous need to wait and see if the US General election voters will pass their litmus test.

Yes, they fear a Trump Presidency.

If I had the money, I would have already bought all of these properties, because I know regardless of who wins, the deal will be in the re-selling of the properties to these very same procrastinators.

So, right now, these Buyers are like, ugh! Trump may win the presidency, Oh, God, No!

But, since I recommend that you buy now while these properties are still at a good price; the buyers would rather wait to see who wins the presidency to acquire that very same property! Which will be at a higher price regardless whether Trump or Hillary win!

SO, all you Buyers, you are just killing any chance at acquiring a good property at a good price/deal.

Now, I will tell you all of the STEALS are gone! That window closed a few years ago!

However, the good deals that I am talking about could make you money over the short term (5 years) AND long term (10+years). You just have to have faith in the future of Las Vegas -- which is still growing! So, forget about the US presidential race.

Whoever wins, is going to be hated by 50% of the electorate anyway. And, I have no control over that scenario at all.

So, if you are a serious Real Estate Investor -- looking for a Good Deal -- take the time to please give me a call; and stop worrying about Trump's ignorant arrogance; or whether Hillary's (alleged) criminal activity will hurt you or her.

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by:
davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88
AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Friday, July 15, 2016

She told me that Shellpoint was only loan servicing my loan from PNC. So, the PNC people I had spoken to lied to me. (Not surprised.)

Anyway, she said the only discount I could receive was 10% -- and I'd have to qualify for that. I thought that I could do better.

So, with that done, I called my client/friend, who does loan buying and selling, and foreclosing. A few days later, he called back.

What he told me should NOT have surprised me; but it did. And, I now have a fuller understanding of this parade of loan/debt buying that I didn't before.

My client/friend told me that the amount of my loan was actually pittance. It is not near enough for him to go near.

He said that if I want to pay the loan off, write them a check for the full amount. He did say I could take a chance and write a check for 90%, but he asked: Is losing your home over $3,800 +/- worth it?

He knows, I know, it's not.

He said that the lender is fully aware of my house' value. They know I have equity, and if I try to play the game, they will take the house through foreclosure and I'd be out of everything.

He suggested that I don't do that. 'Pay them off and move on,' he said.
'At least you'd have a home free and clear' -- which is a rarity these days.

So, I learnt my lesson. Whether I think it fair or not, paying them what I owe and moving on is my only option.

Now, if only I can convince Donald Trump to stand down....maybe my foreign investors will get off the real estate buying fence...

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by:
davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88
AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

About a week ago, I posted that I wanted to pay-off my equity line turned second mortgage.
And, I want to do it by negotiating a smaller payoff deal. Since Shellpoint Mortgage acquired my loan at a discount, I wanted to share in that discount.

They originally sent me a full pay off timetable. But, since they seem to NOT understand what I am asking, I made a counter offer. Since, they have not responded.

Anyway, I had to emailed them through their website since their telemarketers are NOT knowledgeable about the loan business; and they truly have no authority when it comes to real mortgage questions.

Anyway, my counter was met with the response that their Loan Services Personnel are NOT allowed to contact debtors directly.

Say, what?!

All I want to do is to write a check -- or set up a wire transfer -- for a final payment that we can negotiate fairly. I know that there is an acceptable amount to both parties other than the full loan amount that I owe.

I think it's only fair since they acquired my loan at a discount -- most likely 25% of the loan amount owed.

How do I know I can do this?

Well, you see -- most of my clients are in the real estate investment business. They acquire a lot of their property from said lenders who have "bad loans." My clients buy these loans and then foreclose on the property. And, they buy these loans at a discount.

And, since late 2008, this has been happening all over the US.

Anyway, I saw this article about home owners equity and how people are NOT taking equity out of their homes (smart) and thought it interesting. (It's been ten years since I did that and now wish I hadn't.)

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

And the reason it won't go away is that most White middle-aged American Republicans are prime for Donald Trump's hateful, bullying rhetoric.

They swallow his message without even giving it a second thought.

For your information, China has NOT raped America!

China didn't twist any arms; China didn't even do anything illegal. They just had a large pool of people willing to work cheaper than American workers were.

So, if anyone is to blame for China becoming the world leader in manufacturing, it is: wait for it: White, Middle-aged American Republicans!

Too close to home to place the blame?

Oh, well. If Americans were more willing to work at less money, then the CEO's wouldn't have moved the jobs to China.

And, Congress is also responsible for this debacle. They reduced the import tax/fees on goods manufactured outside the US. This was done so White Middle-aged Americans could buy the cheaply made Chinese goods at low, low prices, too!

So, don't like China having all those Jobs? Well, you know what you have to do to get them back, right?

Unfortunately, that is not going to happen. Americans won't work for almost free. And, Americans do care about the air they breathe -- even though they say they don't like the EPA regulations; and, obviously, they care about the water they drink; and the food they eat.

So, Mr Trump, insulting China is idiocy. Bullying other presidential candidates can be viewed as one thing; but bullying an entire nation or a major religious faction is NOT presidential.

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by: davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88 AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by:
davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88
AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

I am going to get a little too personal in this blog. I try to NOT talk about myself here. (There are so many other "things" that are way more interesting then me.)

It's not going to be TMI. Since, I am not a celebrity or even a 'want-to-be,' there will be no naked pictures. (My 60 year old body would break the camera.)

Anyway, I have a bone to pick with a mortgage servicing company.

My wife and I took out an Equity Line of Credit ten years ago just in case there were any exceedingly expensive expenses we may encounter during our home ownership stay.

Now that the initial ten years has passed, and our loan is now a 15/15 loan, we have decided to just pay it off.

But, since I deal with lots and lots of real estate investors -- some that I have talked to offered to buy my loan and then I could pay them off!

Sounds good, right?

Anyway, I know the trick to mortgages and since I did help one client to do just this, they have "owed" me ever since.

You see, I know that the mortgage servicing company that "took over my loan" actually "acquired" my loan from Goldman Sachs "at a very steep discount."

Now, they are trying to convince me to make monthly payments to them for the full loan amount that we currently owe.

So, I said to myself: Self! Since this mortgage servicing company didn't pay full price when they acquired my loan, why don't I just offer them a reduced payoff?. Then, they would just re-convey the loan to me! Since they paid less than half of what I owe to buy my loan, I think it is more than fair that I pay them slightly more than what they paid and we can call it even.

Logical, right?!

The mortgage telephone lady said, "I couldn't do that" because "I owe almost $40,000.00."
I told her to have someone from their company who had the authority to say yes, call me. Once agreed, I would set up a wire transfer between my bank and their bank and we could call it a day.

Hopefully, this works.

I will have to keep you posted. No calls yet...

In the meantime, for more detailed information about Commercial Real Estate...

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by:
davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88
AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

I like to think that I am one of those Real Estate Brokers who will keep you informed -- via email -- about a variety of Las Vegas CRE Properties that are For Sale.

And, even though these properties may NOT necessarily be within your acquisition criteria, I feel that notifying you about potential deals was way more important than just saying, "The heck with it. They don't want to know."

Well, my apologies upfront if I over stepped my bounds.

Now, as I blog this theme, there was a time -- like about 7 years ago -- that I blogged that I wasn't receiving anywhere near the amount of email Spam I had been receiving recently. And, between, September, 2008 to even say July, 2010, I don't recall receiving any spam at all.

BUT, now I have noticed that my junk mail folder does receive quite a few more emails than I would like. But, since it is Real Estate Spam from vendors, etc, the amount I am receiving is making a come back.

Some of you may be saying: But, David -- "You have been spamming me forever!" And of course, I probably do still send you real estate alerts about a variety of Las Vegas CRE properties than you'd liked. But, this is what my business requires me to do. Which is why I am being up front with you so that the properties that I run across gain a wider audience of potential buyers.

So, instead of viewing the emails as Spam, why not view them as Alerts! (Hey! Google has Alerts! Why can't I?)

And since these alerts are there just to make you aware of a potential CRE Deal, taking a few seconds to review an email just might be worth that time and effort. Especially, AFTER you conclude that this property will fit your income needs, your long term investing needs, and it will help you support your family without having to open a wallet every time a family member asks for a hand out. (Was that mean?)

I get the sense that most -- if not all -- of you are genuinely okay with these emails because it gives you the inside tract as to what is available.

And, since there are fewer brokers and agents and fewer marketable properties, I need to stay as one of those Real Estate Brokers you come to count on for those alerts!

Anyway, I know you aren't a Buyer at this time. However, since I do NOT know when an acquisition inspiration will strike you as being an important aspect of your life, I know that by providing you with a periodic email about a variety of properties can be important to you in the future.

Any questions about this? Seriously, please just ask. If you are interested in acquiring a Las Vegas CRE property, I will do my best to find it for you. I can find that worthwhile CRE investment without breaking your bank.

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by:
davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88
AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Why is it that some people who are supposed to be the closet to you; will treat you with utter disrespect? You know who I am talking about: Family.

Is it Jealousy?
Are they really that envious of you because you are viewed as being more successful than they are??

Through the years, I have discovered that when certain family members ask me a real estate related question, the hair on the back of my neck feels funny. So, I usually inquire to myself: Am I being set up?

And, the answer is sure to be: Yes! Why, yes? Because most of the time, that's what happens.

They will ask a question, like it's a simple I need to know some of your real estate knowledge type question; I will give an honest answer (why not, it's real estate and most of the time you can search it on the internet); and then, these ungrateful siblings will look at me with that stupid quizzical look in their eyes that say: you're lying!

And, I mean, they will come right out and say to me that I am 'Lying' to them!

What? Why would I lie to you? I usually ask.
How do you know I am lying? is usually what I have to ask back.

Then, they reveal that they spoke with Mr/Mrs X (for a better nondescript person) and Mr X said -- and they will repeat the lie and announce that they believe it to be true.

I am left dumbfounded. I usually ask myself just afterward, why?
And the answer is always: Because, there is no reason for me to lie to them.
Why would I? I am NOT getting any monetary value from it.

It's so frustrating. I need to learn and stay away from family completely.

This all falls back to my early days in real estate under the tutorial-age of Mike Sitren.

He was correct: One of his rules is and always will be: Don't help family with any real estate related problem; you will regret it.
He emphasized to me one time that: If the transaction goes well, they will assume the credit; if it goes bad, you will get the blame. It's a no-win situation, he said.

And, God Bless the long deceased man. He is still correct 23 years beyond his departure from this earth.

So, if you are NOT related to me, please remember...

Contacting David Howes is easy -- either by:
davidATdavidhowesDOTnet OR call him at: 70 25 01 93 88
AND Follow David on Twitter: @DavidAHowes

Now, when a businessmen runs for President of the United States, they usually stand on the platform of their business accomplishments. They pontificate how they -- as a successful businessman -- can get "things" done.

What they forget is that in order to get anything done in Washington, D.C. or even passed by Congress is: you need tact and tenacity.

However, most businessmen have tenacity. It's essential to their job. But, the lack of tact is what usually dooms them as President.

A lot of my fellow real estate broker colleagues criticize Obama. They think he has been the worst president ever.

But what I see is a man who has a tremendous amount of tact and tenacity. Even if you disagree with Obama's politics, Obama did get things done -- even though he was slowed by a do nothing Congress.

And, that in itself was a helpful element to Obama's success. The reason is, when Congress does nothing, the business environment is supposed to improve. Obama did take over the office at one of the worst possible times.

The World economy was in a deep recession -- maybe even a depression. (I will let the economic scholars decide.)

But, even while being criticized heavily from both sides of every issue, Obama maintained his tact and tenacity. He was able to accomplish more than I thought he would.

While searching the internet for businessmen that were elected US President, I found this article. Here a retired military officer/physician did some research and points out that every businessman who was elected US President, turned out to be a bad President.